If you're looking for affordable and reliable ways to connect with your friends, family, or business contacts in Africa, the right calling app can make all the difference. With a variety of options available in 2025, choosing the best app often comes down to understanding features like call rates, usability, and additional benefits. Below, you'll find the top-rated apps offering the best international calling rates to Africa along with a breakdown of their features and advantages.
The Best International Calling Apps of 2025
1. Talk360
Talk360 continues to stand out as one of the leading international calling apps, especially for making cheap calls to Africa.
Key Features:
- Affordable Call Rates: Talk360 offers some of the most competitive rates to African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
- No Internet Requirement for Recipients: The recipient does not need an internet connection or the app to receive calls.
- Simple Setup: With a user-friendly interface, Talk360 allows you to get started without unnecessary steps.
- Cross-Platform Use: Available on both iOS and Android.
- Free Trial Credit: New users are provided with free credit to test the service.
Pros:
- Excellent for calling landlines or mobile numbers.
- Wide coverage across African countries.
- Reliable call quality even on low-bandwidth internet connections.
Cons:
- Limited additional features aside from voice calls.
Why Choose Talk360:
For those seeking cheap call options without worrying about whether the recipient has internet access, Talk360 is an ideal choice.
2. Rebtel
Rebtel is another strong contender in the international calling space, widely favored for its straightforward approach to affordable calls.
Key Features:
- Local Rates: Instead of charging international rates, Rebtel connects your international calls using local connections to reduce costs.
- Unlimited Plans: Offers unlimited calling plans to specific regions in Africa for flat monthly fees.
- No Wi-Fi Needed: Use offline calling for uninterrupted connections.
- High Call Quality: Known for consistent and clear call quality.
Pros:
- Cost-effective for frequent callers.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Offline functionality.
Cons:
- Requires a subscription for unlimited plans, which may not suit infrequent users.
- Limited free trial features.
Why Choose Rebtel:
Rebtel is perfect for heavy users who make frequent calls to the same African countries.
3. WhatsApp
WhatsApp remains a popular choice for international communication due to its ease of use and global adoption.
Key Features:
- Free Internet-Based Calls: Make calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data at no additional cost.
- Multifunctional: Beyond calling, WhatsApp allows users to send messages, voice notes, videos, and documents.
- Widely Used in Africa: With a significant number of users in African countries, many people already have WhatsApp installed.
- Group and Video Calls: Call multiple participants simultaneously.
Pros:
- Completely free if both users have an internet connection.
- Easy-to-use and familiar for most people.
- Supports multimedia communication.
Cons:
- Requires both parties to have WhatsApp installed and a stable internet connection.
- Unreliable in areas with limited internet infrastructure.
Why Choose WhatsApp:
If you and your contacts have stable internet access and already use WhatsApp, it offers a free and convenient solution.
4. Vonage
Vonage is a robust VoIP service well-suited for businesses and individuals looking for more versatile options for international calls.
Key Features:
- Business-Friendly Plans: Offers advanced features like conference calling and voicemail-to-email.
- High-Quality Connections: Ensures crystal-clear voice quality for phone calls.
- Unlimited International Calling: Plans include unlimited calls to dozens of African destinations.
Pros:
- High-end features for business and professional use.
- Reliable and stable connections for international calls.
- Scalable plans for small businesses.
Cons:
- More expensive than consumer-focused alternatives.
- Requires subscription commitment.
Why Choose Vonage:
For businesses needing reliable international VoIP services, Vonage is worth the investment.
5. Google Voice
Google Voice offers a practical solution for international calls, particularly for users who already use Google's suite of services.
Key Features:
- Low International Rates: Voice call rates to African countries are very competitive.
- Multi-Device Use: Access Google Voice on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Free US and Canada Calls: An added benefit for users calling within North America as well.
- Voicemail Transcription: Convenient transcriptions of voicemails for easy review.
Pros:
- Convenient integration with other Google services.
- Great for occasional international calls.
- Offers free domestic calls within the US.
Cons:
- Limited availability of local numbers in some African countries.
- Requires a Google account to use.
Why Choose Google Voice:
If you’re a Google user making occasional calls to Africa, Google Voice is a simple and affordable option.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an App
To select the right international calling app, consider these key factors:
- Calling Rates:
Look for apps with clear and competitive per-minute rates to the specific countries you plan to call.
- Internet Dependency:
Some apps work offline, which can be crucial if your recipient doesn’t have internet access.
- Ease of Use:
Choose an app with a simple setup process and intuitive interface.
- Additional Features:
Think about whether you'll need any extras, like voicemail transcription, conference calling, or multimedia sharing.
- Customer Support:
Reliable service and assistance can make a big difference, especially for critical business calls.
- Subscription vs Pay-As-You-Go:
Subscription plans suit frequent callers, while pay-as-you-go is better for occasional use.
FAQs About International Calling Apps
What is the cheapest app for calls to Africa?
Talk360 and Rebtel are among the cheapest, offering competitive rates with great call quality.
Do I need an internet connection to use these apps?
Apps like Talk360 and Rebtel allow calls without requiring an internet connection for the recipient, while others like WhatsApp need internet on both ends.
Which apps are best for business calls to Africa?
Vonage and Google Voice are excellent business-friendly options for international calls, offering features like conference calls and voicemail services.
Can I make free international calls with these apps?
Apps like WhatsApp and Google Voice allow free international calls over Wi-Fi if both users have the app.
How do I know which app works best for me?
Evaluate your calling frequency, desired features, and your recipient's access to the internet before choosing an app.
Making Calls to Africa Easier in 2025
With so many reliable options, staying connected with friends, family, or colleagues in Africa has never been easier. Among the standout choices, Talk360 offer affordable rates and offline capabilities, making them particularly suited for African calling needs. For those who prefer internet-based options, WhatsApp and Google Voice shine with their free-to-use features. Businesses, on the other hand, will benefit most from Vonage's advanced tools.
Start bridging the communication gap and explore the apps that best fit your needs today.
